Trump Assassination Attempt Suspect Ryan Routh Granted Self-Representation for September Trial

A federal judge has ruled that Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate former President Donald Trump last year, can represent himself during his upcoming trial. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon approved Routh’s request on Thursday, though she mandated that court-appointed attorneys remain as standby counsel.

The decision comes after federal public defenders sought to withdraw from the case, citing an “irreconcilably broken” attorney-client relationship due to Routh’s repeated refusal to meet with them. Routh, 59, had previously expressed in a letter to Judge Cannon that he and his attorneys were “a million miles apart” and even made unusual suggestions about a prisoner exchange.

Routh is scheduled to stand trial on September 8, 2025, approximately one year after prosecutors allege he attempted to shoot Trump while the former president was golfing in South Florida. A U.S. Secret Service agent reportedly thwarted the attempt, leading to Routh’s arrest. He faces charges including attempting to assassinate a major presidential candidate, assaulting a federal officer, and several firearm violations, to which he has pleaded not guilty. Judge Cannon has indicated her intent to proceed with the September trial date, regardless of Routh’s self-representation. An additional hearing regarding evidence admissibility is set for Friday.

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